Statistical theory of plasma turbulence

We present a statistical theory of intermittency in plasma turbulence based on short-lived coherent structures (instantons). In general, the probability density functions (PDFs) of the flux R are shown to have an exponential scaling P(R) ∝ exp (-cRs ) in the tails. In ion-temperature-gradient turbulence, the exponent takes the value s = 3/2 for momentum flux and s = 3 for zonal flow formation. The value of s follows from the order of the highest nonlinear interaction term and the moments for which the PDFs are computed. The constant c depends on the spatial profile of the coherent structure and other physical parameters in the model. Our theory provides a powerful mechanism for ubiquitous exponential scalings of PDFs, often observed in various tokamaks. Implications of the results, in particular, on structure formation are further discussed

Predicting PDF tails in systems with logarithmic non-linearity

The probability density function (PDF) of flux R is computed in systems with logarithmic non-linearity using a model non-linear dynamical equation. The PDF tails of the first moment flux are analytically predicted to be power law. These PDF tails are shown to be broader than a Gaussian distribution and are a manifestation of intermittency caused by short lived coherent structures (instantons). (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

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Predicting PDF tails of flux in plasma sheath region

This letter provides the first prediction of the probability density function (PDF) of flux $R$ in plasma sheath sheath region in magnetic fusion devices which is characterized by dynamical equations with exponential non-linearities. By using a non-perturbative statistical theory (instantons), the PDF tails of first moment are shown to be modified Gumbel distribution which represents a frequency distribution of the extreme values of the ensemble. The non-Gaussian PDF tails that are enhanced over Gaussian predictions are the result of intermittency caused by short lived coherent structures (instantons).Comment: 13 pages, 1 figur

Probability distribution function for self-organization of shear flows

The first prediction of the probability distribution function (PDF) of self-organized shear flows is presented in a nonlinear diffusion model where shear flows are generated by a stochastic forcing while diffused by a nonlinear eddy diffusivity. A novel nonperturbative method based on a coherent structure is utilized for the prediction of the strongly intermittent exponential PDF tails of the gradient of shear flows. Numerical simulations using Gaussian forcing not only confirm these predictions but also reveal the significant contribution from the PDF tails with a large population of supercritical gradients. The validity of the nonlinear diffusion model is then examined using a threshold model where eddy diffusivity is given by discontinuous values, elucidating an important role of relative time scales of relaxation and disturbance in the determination of the PDFs

Non-perturbative models of intermittency in edge turbulence

A theory of the probability distribution function (PDF) tails of the blob density in plasma edge turbulence is provided. A simplified model of the fast convective radial transport is used. The theoretically predicted PDF tails corroborate earlier measurements of edge transport, further confirming the strongly non-Gaussian feature of edge transport. It is found that increasing the cross sectional spatial scale length ($L_x$ and $L_y$) of the blob results in larger transport whereas increasing the toroidal scale length ($L_z$) decreases the PDF. The results imply that the PDF decreases for larger blob speed $v_b$.Comment: 19 pages, 2 figure

Twisted atrioventricular connections in double inlet right ventricle: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging

Twisted atrioventricular connections occur almost exclusively in the hearts with biventricular atrioventricular connections. Only one example of double inlet left ventricle has been illustrated in which the axes of the two atrioventricular valves crossed each other. We describe herein three patients, and one autopsied specimen, with double inlet right ventricle in which magnetic resonance imaging clearly demonstrated twisted atrioventricular connections

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